\jeff{krimmel}

I Am a Master of Science

Today, the degree of Master of Science was officially conferred on me by the powers that be here at Caltech. The commencement program listed all of the bachelors candidates by name and home town; the masters candidates by name, option (mechanical engineering for me), and a list of already held degrees; and the doctoral candidates by all the information listed for masters candidates plus the thesis title. It made for a marginally interesting read as the candidates walked.

Greg, Mike, Ariele and I went to shoot some pool this afternoon after the ceremony, and we parked in a familiar parking structure in Old Town. I had to straighten my car out after I pulled into the parking spot the first time, and Greg mentioned, “Well, you are not a master of parking, that’s for damn sure.” A joke I have prepared myself to hear from now until who knows when.

The commencement ceremony was unique in that of the three groups of graduates present (bachelors, masters, and doctoral candidates), the masters candidates were the least enthused. Commencement marks the end of the road at Caltech for most of the students in the other two groups, whereas an overwhelming majority of masters candidates will be sticking around to pursue the Ph.D. Passing the candidacy exam is the momentous occasion for students of our level, and I have known I passed those exams for a couple of weeks now.

Regardless, it was a nice ceremony, and I definitely consider it an honor to hold an advanced degree. This kind of stuff is not old hat for my family; I think we’re all enjoying it.